FRAUDSTERS have stolen thousands of pounds from West Midlands internet users over the past year.

According to government figures, one in 10 people who used the internet were victims of fraud, losing an average of £1,794 each.

The report found 4 per cent of the region's surfers suffered fraud while shopping online, 5 per cent experienced another form of general online fraud and 2 per cent were subject to bank account or credit card fraud as a result of activity online.

Some users experienced fraud in more than one area.

It is now estimated the average web user spends £1,044 - equivalent to £30 billion for the UK online population as a whole.